8.8 Magnitude Earthquake Threatens West Coast
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck in eastern Russia on July 30, and it now brings Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast under threat of potential tsunamis. (Image credit: U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers)
Strongest Earthquake Since 2011 Sparks Tsunami Warnings
At approximately 8 a.m. in Russia on Wednesday, July 30 — or approximately 7 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, July 29 — an 8.8 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia.
As of 11 p.m. (EST), portions of Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii are under a tsunami warning.
Additionally, the West Coast of the United States and Guam are under a tsunami advisory.
Presently, the West Coast has the potential of seeing waves hit the shore by 11:40 p.m. (PST), according to Fox Weather.
According to the Office of the Governor of Hawaii, the first wave is expected to hit Hawaii by 1:17 p.m. (HST) on July 30, or 1:23 a.m.
A TSUNAMI WATCH IS ISSUED FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII EFFECTIVE AT 133 PM HST.
IF TSUNAMI WAVES IMPACT HAWAII THE ESTIMATED EARLIEST ARRIVAL OF
THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS0717 PM HST TUE 29 JUL 2025
— Office of the Governor, State of Hawai`i (@GovHawaii) July 29, 2025
This is the most powerful earthquake recorded since 2011, when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck in the sea off the coast of Japan, leading to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station disaster.
More About The Earthquake
Initially, the earthquake registered with the U.S. Geological Survey as an 8.8, and was followed by 6.9, 6.3, and 5.4 magnitude earthquakes in the same region.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social about the incoming potential tsunami threat, linking citizens to tsunami.gov for up to date information on the situation.
